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Carolina’s statewide impact

As the Tar Heel state’s flagship university, UNC-Chapel Hill takes immense pride in serving North Carolina and its great people. The scholarship, work and service done by Tar Heels isn’t contained to our campus in Chapel Hill but instead travels across all 100 counties, bettering life and powering communities from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between.

Explore the way Carolina’s impact is felt statewide — from Carolina research and University-affiliated startups to Tar Heel alumni and Carolina employee contributions.

The University for North Carolina

  • $30.1 billionin total economic activity by alumni of past two decades (gross transactions, not net impact) (FY25)
  • 64,474Carolina alumni from past two decades working in the state (FY25)
  • $8.3 billionin total economic activity across NC from University operations (FY25)
  • 29,312Orange County jobs supported by University operations (FY25)
  • $2.9 billionin value added to state GDP by Carolina research, strengthening North Carolina’s overall economic output (FY25)
  • 24,087in-state jobs supported by Carolina research, driving employment and workforce growth (FY25)
  • $4.3 billioncontributed by Carolina-affiliated startups to North Carolina's GDP (FY25)
  • 33,643in-state jobs supported by Carolina-affiliated startups (FY25)
  • 537active Carolina-affiliated startups based in North Carolina (FY25)

“Carolina’s impact can be seen in every corner of our state, through the students we educate, the research we advance, the care we provide and the businesses and jobs we help create. As the nation’s first public university, our connection to North Carolina is the source of our strength, and we are honored to serve this remarkable state and its people.”

Chancellor Lee H. Roberts

Chancellor Lee H. Roberts posing for portrait in front of the Old Well on the campus of U.N.C. Chapel Hill.

Carolina research

“UNC-Chapel Hill’s research enterprise shows what sustained investment in people and ideas produces. A single faculty recruitment helped spark a gene therapy industry now reaching patients worldwide. A research portfolio generating $5.5 billion in total economic activity across industries and communities statewide grew from the same foundation: federal investment, institutional commitment and researchers with the time and resources to pursue discovery at the frontier of what is known. The return is measured in companies founded, communities strengthened and discoveries reaching the people who need them.”

Penny Gordon-Larsen, vice chancellor for research

Penny Gordon-Larsen posing for portrait on Polk Place on campus of U.N.C. Chapel Hill with South Building in the background.

The director of the N.C. Child Health Research Network, Dr. Michelle Hernandez of the UNC School of Medicine is working to make access to asthma care and research studies easier for everyone, especially those living in the state’s rural areas. That’s just one example of how great research ideas at UNC-Chapel Hill turn into outcomes that improve the quality of life for all people. Carolina’s research also fuels North Carolina’s economy, supporting businesses, meeting community needs and caring for our citizens.

Explore Carolina research

Michelle Hernandez watches as a young boy blows into a medical device during a breathing test in a clinic setting.

Tar Heel startups

“Carolina’s innovation ecosystem demonstrates the power of a public university to drive statewide impact. Through Carolina-affiliated startups, translational research and industry collaborations, we are transforming breakthrough ideas into companies, jobs and solutions that strengthen communities across North Carolina and beyond. As Carolina expands its leadership in innovation and emerging technologies, we are helping shape the state’s future economy while advancing innovation for the public good.”

Tommy Sowers, vice chancellor for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development and chief innovation officer

Tommy Sowers posing for portrait in lobby of Innovate Carolina Junction.

Carolina’s passion for innovation and economic impact is reflected in our ongoing collaboration with the Town of Chapel Hill and other academic, government and industry partners across the region and state. Together, we’re accelerating local economic vibrancy, expanding career opportunities for students and broadening the opportunities for businesses and other community organizations across Chapel Hill and beyond.

Explore Tar Heel startups

A woman helping a man working on his laptop.

Carolina alumni

The education students receive in Chapel Hill sticks with them and reverberates across North Carolina for many years following their graduations. Tar Heel alumni serve as our doctors and pharmacists, lead our towns and create economic impact to bolster our great state. In large numbers, Carolina graduates stay in North Carolina, making a positive and a powerful impact across the state.

Explore the Tar Heel alumni impact

U.N.C. graduate in regalia adjusting her cap as she waits in line to take photos at the Old Well.

University employee impact

“As the University and adjacent local jurisdictions plan together for growth, this data is a great tool to facilitate continued collaboration. Carolina’s impact for the entire state begins right here with our relationships with the towns and counties that support every aspect of our educational enterprise.”

Ivy Taylor ’98 (MRP), local relations director

Ivy Taylor posing for portrait near the Old Well on campus of U.N.C. Chapel Hill.

At UNC-Chapel Hill, impact extends far beyond the classroom. University employees and initiatives support local communities, fuel innovation across industries and play a vital role in North Carolina’s economy and future.

Explore University employee impact

Members of U.N.C. Chapel Hill walking down Franklin Street.

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